This Smoky Chipotle Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe is a bold, flavor-packed dish with tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an effortless meal that delivers a delicious balance of heat, spice, and sweetness—perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- For deeper flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the crock pot.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes or mix in a cornstarch slurry.
- Shred the chicken and serve it over rice, in tortillas, or with cornbread.
- Add fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- For extra smokiness, sprinkle in smoked paprika or cumin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold, smoky, and slightly spicy dishes, this recipe is for you! The combination of tender boneless chicken thighs, black beans, sweet corn, and smoky chipotle peppers makes for an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen, creating a rich and hearty dish with minimal effort. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring just the right amount of smoky heat, while the tomatoes and broth create a saucy base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Black beans and corn add texture, fiber, and a touch of sweetness, making this a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or as a standalone dish, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep!
Smoky Chipotle Boneless Chicken Thighs with Black Beans and Corn
Slow-cooked boneless chicken thighs with smoky chipotle, black beans, and corn—an effortless, flavor-packed meal perfect for tacos or rice bowls.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. This locks in flavor!
- Layer the slow cooker: Add the onion, garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, mix chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Slow cook: Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs into the crock pot, submerging them slightly in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred and season: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Add fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice, in tacos, with tortillas, or as a burrito bowl.
Notes
- For a smoky BBQ twist, add 2 tbsp of BBQ sauce with the adobo sauce.
- Want more sauce? Increase the broth by ½ cup for a more stew-like consistency.
- This dish makes amazing leftovers—the flavors get even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 355Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 185mgSodium 897mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 41g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: More flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, making them ideal for slow cooking.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These provide smokiness, heat, and depth—adjust to taste.
- Black beans: Adds fiber, protein, and texture while absorbing the smoky sauce. Use canned (drained and rinsed) or cooked from scratch.
- Corn: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the smoky heat. Fresh, canned, or frozen all work.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Add a rich, slightly smoky tomato base. Regular diced tomatoes can also be used.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce; opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Garlic and onion: Essential for a deep, savory flavor base.
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Enhance the warm, earthy, and smoky flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps to coat and sear the chicken for extra flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh lime juice: A squeeze at the end brightens the entire dish!
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbal garnish that complements the smoky flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for extra black beans, pinto beans, or jackfruit.
- Use chicken breasts instead: If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduce the cook time slightly to prevent dryness.
- Swap black beans for pinto beans: A great alternative with a slightly different texture.
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced sweet potatoes would blend well with the flavors.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist.
- Turn it into soup: Add an extra cup of broth to make a flavorful, hearty soup.
- Extra spice: For more heat, add red pepper flakes or extra chipotle peppers.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully and can be used in tacos, rice bowls, or salads.
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